All Aboard (Part 2)
Last Time:
Nora finally worked up the nerve to board a train after
earlier attempts had failed.
Bo just did make the same train as it pulled away from the station.
*********
Bo finally made his way to the first passenger car. There were only about twenty people seated, busily reading newspapers or working on their laptops. Bo continued forward until his eyes caught the glimpse of something that seemed familiar.
The morning sun was shining through the window and the way the light caught the color of her hair made Bo’s heart skip a beat. He wasn’t sure what to do. Should he turn around and sit in the back, leave her alone? She was just gazing out of the window. Her back was to him but he could see the reflection of her face in the glass of the window. There was something in her eyes, in her posture that made Bo feel like she could really use a friend. He glanced around again and saw a seat in the back, but taking a deep breath, he moved toward his friend.
Nora was so engrossed in her internal conversation that she really wasn’t paying much attention to what was going on round her. There was a panic that kept trying to creep up into her consciousness. She constantly teetered on the edge of wanting to bolt from her seat and just scream, but the calm, self-confident side of her would not allow it. She had been taking one deep breath after another, trying desperately to not relive that night.
Troy had indeed helped her regain her memories. It was a mixed blessing and this train ride was evidence of that. She didn’t think she could do it. She’d never ride another train, but here she was. As the motion of the train occasionally rocked back and forth, it was the unexpected jolts that caused her to tighten her hold on the armrest. Her right hand was aching, but she wasn’t about to let go. It was really the only sense of security she had at the moment.
The train was making its way into the Llantano Mountains and although the scenery was gorgeous, the ride seemed more perilous. Trees as far as you could see seemed to be aglow with the beautiful colors of fall. It was magnificent and, any other time, she would have enjoyed the journey to Statesville, but this was not the time. She just wanted to get there, meet with her client and get home to Matthew.
The train jerked again and Nora jumped as her grip intensified. Releasing her breath, she leaned her forehead against the cool glass.
Nora: (Closing her eyes in a silent prayer) Please God, give me the strength…
Bo: (Standing at the row of two seats) Excuse me, Miss. Is this seat taken?
At first Nora didn’t recognize the voice and slowly opened her eyes. She nervously wiped at a tear that was making its way down her cheek as she lifted her head from the window.
Nora: (Slowly turning her head and adding a polite smile to her face, but keeping her gaze downward. She tilts her head to the seat next to her, but does not make eye contact.) No, no… Help yourself. (Turning to glance out the window again.)
Bo: (Smiling, yet sensing the emotional turmoil Nora was fighting with, he takes the seat next to her. Speaking quietly and leaning over close to her.) Thanks, Red.
Nora: (She felt his breath on the back of her neck, he was so close. As she was about to shoulder this rude man away from her space, his voice resounded in her ear. Had God answered her prayer so quickly? The moisture flooded into her eyes as she quickly turned to look into the most precious pair of blue eyes she had ever seen. She quickly gained control of her emotions and stopped herself from just throwing her arms round his neck. Her effort to control her smile, failed, however, and Bo was greeted by a grin that didn’t want to end.) Bo! (She let his name escape as she sighed her relief.)
Bo: (Smiling) We really have to stop meeting like this.
Nora: (Nervously laughing) Quite the coincidence, huh?
Bo: Heading to Statesville?
Nora: (Nodding) Yep. (Laughing) I couldn’t get my client to come to me (Bo laughs), so here I am. (Looking around the train) On this… this… train. (saying the words triumphantly and laughing) See… I can say it. I’m on a train! (shrugging her shoulders and laughing nervously, she nudges Bo’s arm with her elbow, speaking quietly) I’m on a train, Bo.
Bo: (Placing a reassuring hand on the one of Nora’s that refused to let go of the armrest.) I see that Red. Big step, huh?
Nora: (Laughing at herself) Huge! It only took me all morning. I was supposed to be on the 6:30 train this morning.
Bo: (Still patting the hand that she refused to move) I think it worked out better this way. (Chuckling) It’s only fitting that we both make our “maiden voyages” together, don’t you?
Nora: (Looking shocked) You haven’t been on a train since the accident either?
Bo: (Shaking his head) Nope. (Laughing) I almost missed this one.
Nora: (Turning serious and looking into his eyes.) I’m SO glad you didn’t (Bo smiles back.)
All of the sudden the car went dark and Nora practically jumped out of her skin.
Bo: (Touching her arm in the dark and leaning close.) It’s just a tunnel.
Nora: (Slightly laughing in the dark and releasing her breath) A Tunnel! Of course it’s only a tunnel. (Her eyes move about the car, but still she can barely make out anything. Finally she feels Bo’s fingers prying beneath her palm, trying to get her to let go. She slowly releases the armrest and Bo slides his hand into hers, interlacing his fingers with hers and squeezing reassuringly. Nora looks down at the dark void and smiles as she returns the squeeze and leans her head back against the head rest, as she anxiously waits for the train to emerge into the sunlight.)
A few seconds pass and the train exits the tunnel. Nora coyly glances at Bo and smiles.
Nora: (Quietly) Thanks.
Bo: (Still holding her hand and patting it with his other.) No… Thank you. (Looking like a frightened child and smiling) I’ve always been afraid of the dark!
Nora: (Busting out laughing at Bo’s antics, she slowly begins to relax) Yeah, I remember! (Bo smiles. It was nice to see her laugh.) You always needed something to hold onto in the dark. (Laughing)
Bo: (Smiling and laughing) I know! (Leaning back into his seat.) How many times did I grab you and… (They both stop and suddenly realize where the conversation was headed, now feeling very awkward, Bo slowly slips his hand out of hers as Nora places her hand in her lap, absentmindedly stroking the palm with her other hand. Wanting to savor the feeling of his skin next to hers. Bo coughs to clear his throat and tries to change the subject.) So… (Balling up his fist and rubbing his own palm with his fingers, trying to imagine her hand in his) Um… Here we are…
Nora: (Nodding and glancing out the window) Yep… Here we are.
A few minutes pass and their thoughts are interrupted by the train assistant offering a snack and a beverage. Both were thankful that the strained silence was broken.
Nora: (Munching on some pretzels) So what puts you on this train, Commissioner?
Bo: (Sipping his soda) I have a meeting with the Warden at Statesville. You wanna share a taxi?
Nora: Sure! How long are you going to be?
Bo: (Looking at his ticket) I’m on the 9:30 train back this evening.
Nora: (Smiling brightly) Me too!
Bo: (Looking happier than he probably should) Great! (Leaning in close) So I’ll have someone to hold onto when we go through that tunnel again. (Nora could feel the heat rise to her face and Bo enjoyed the blush it added to her beautiful complexion.)
Nora: (Leaning back into her seat) You know, I never thought I’d ever ride on a train again.
Bo: (His thoughts drifting back to that fateful night) I know, Red. That was one helluva ride.
Nora: (Slowly shaking her head as she glanced out of the window) Life altering… (Bo just nodded in agreement. Nora wanted to lighten the conversation.) When does your meeting end? Maybe we can grab dinner before we head back.
Bo: (Smiling) I should be finished by 6:30. How about you?
Nora: (Raising an eyebrow) Well, I need to tell my client that his appeal has been denied. Didn’t want to do that over the phone. I’ll need to discuss other options with him, but I should easily be finished by 6:30. How about we meet at Smitty’s?
Bo: (Frowning slightly) A burger joint? No way. We can do that anytime. (Looking amazed) We’re on a train, Red! This is BIG and deserves a celebration.
Nora: (Smiling) OK, then you pick.
Bo: (Thinking) Hmm… Alexander’s on Main Street at 7:00. (Reaching to take her hand in his) How does that sound?
Nora: (Glancing down at their hands) Alexander’s it is. I’ll meet you there.
Bo: (Smiling and looking straight ahead) Great! It’s a date!
Nora: (Smiling) A date?
Bo: (Becoming uncomfortable) Well… Um… You know, Red… A.. uh…
Nora: (Laughing and patting his hand as she released it.) It’s OK, Bo. I know what you meant. Relax! (Chuckling, Nora looks again out the window, hoping to hide her big smile. Bo glances at the back of her head and then looks away, smiling broadly and mouthing the words “A date!” as he takes a deep breath and slowly releases it.)
To be continued . . .
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